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Obama stops in Florida capital
From Staff Reports
FSView & Florida Flambeau (Florida State U.)
04/02/2007

(U-WIRE) TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Friday, March 30, Barak Obama made a stop in Tallahassee, Fri., on his campaigning tour to speak to one of the most unpredictable voting states in the nation.

His visit included an impromptu free lecture open to the public that took place just steps away from the capitol building. Obama's visit attracted a diverse group of people, including high school students, despite it being a school day. A group of local high school students from the organizationWrapUpTheVote were present. The group's president Bernon Estewart said that they're involvement in politics is imperative even though most of them are not old enough to vote.

"We're trying to wrap up the vote (now), instead of waiting until 2008 to get the vote in."

"The earlier, the better," said Estewart. "We have to get everyone (involved)."

According to Obama's Web site, some of the issues he plans to address include strengthening America overseas, ending the war in Iraq, cleaning up Washington's "culture of corruption" and meeting America's energy needs. Estewart said knowing the issues are what should determine the vote.

"It's not a vote for Barack Obama," said Estewart. "That's the best person, but (everyone has to) make the right choice (for themselves). Get all the information instead of just voting for a race or color."

For these high school students and many others who attended the event, it was an opportunity to learn more about Obama's platform and the voting process. WrapUpTheVote, an advocacy for voter confidence, aims to do just that. The organization is constructed of volunteers who encourage others to exercise their right to vote. And long after Obama departs the capital city, they will still maintain their quest to ensure that the government does not decide for Florida who will become the next president.

For more information about WrapUpTheVote, visit www.wrapupthevote.org. For additional information about Barack Obama and his platform, visit www.barackobama.com.

Copyright ©2007 FSView & Florida Flambeau via UWire



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